A SLIP-UP in White hall caused consternation among officials at the prospect of thousands of people being able to park caravans in their front gardens.

It has been created by the introduction of the new Local Government Act, which comes into force next April and repeals sections of other Acts.

Based on one of these sections, is part of the Surrey county council Act which gives local authorities their power to stop people parking caravans in front gardens.

Mr Edward Green, deputv clerk of leatherhead Urban Council discovered the loophole.

He said “Up until now we would give people permission to park their caravans if they were screened by trees. If they weren’t, we always said no. The effect of one caravan in a street can be very unsightly—just imagine what effect a whole street full of caravans would have.”

Now local authorities are pressing through the County Council Association for measures to close the loophole.

A spokesman for the Department of the Environment said it would be willing to discuss the position.